First Abu Dhabi Bank Misr has launched a nationwide programme aimed at embedding environmental awareness in classrooms, aligning the lender with Egypt’s drive to accelerate its transition towards a lower-carbon economy.

The initiative, titled “Green Schools for a Sustainable Future”, is being rolled out in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Technical Education and targets public schools across several governorates. Bank officials said the programme will support practical sustainability projects, introduce climate literacy modules and encourage students to adopt environmentally responsible practices within their communities.

FAB Misr, the Egyptian subsidiary of First Abu Dhabi Bank, said the scheme reflects its broader environmental, social and governance strategy and its commitment to financing projects that advance sustainable development. The bank has expanded its green and sustainable lending portfolio in Egypt over the past two years, participating in renewable energy financing, sustainable infrastructure and small and medium-sized enterprise support linked to climate resilience.

Under the schools initiative, participating institutions will receive support to implement waste reduction systems, energy efficiency measures and tree-planting campaigns. Educational workshops will be delivered to students and teachers, focusing on water conservation, recycling and the fundamentals of climate change. Bank representatives indicated that the programme would be integrated into extracurricular activities, with measurable targets set for participating schools.

Senior executives at FAB Misr described the project as part of a long-term strategy rather than a one-off campaign. They said the bank aims to create a generation of students familiar with sustainability concepts and capable of translating them into everyday behaviour. Ministry officials welcomed the collaboration, noting that public-private partnerships play an increasingly important role in modernising the education sector and aligning it with national climate commitments.

Egypt has positioned itself as a regional advocate for climate action, hosting the COP27 summit in Sharm El Sheikh in 2022 and unveiling a national climate strategy that sets out emission reduction and adaptation targets through 2050. Authorities have since sought to attract green finance and strengthen climate education. The education ministry has incorporated environmental themes into curricula, though implementation varies by region and resource availability.

Financial institutions operating in Egypt have come under growing scrutiny regarding their environmental footprint and lending practices. Central bank guidelines encourage banks to integrate sustainability considerations into risk management and credit decisions. Market participants say this regulatory direction has accelerated the issuance of green bonds and sustainability-linked loans within the country.

FAB Misr’s parent, First Abu Dhabi Bank, has pledged to mobilise substantial financing towards sustainable and transition projects across its markets, including the Middle East and North Africa. The Egyptian subsidiary has followed that direction by supporting renewable energy ventures, including solar projects tied to the Benban Solar Park in Aswan, one of the world’s largest solar installations.

Education experts say school-level interventions can reinforce national climate objectives by shaping long-term attitudes. Studies from international organisations show that environmental education, when combined with practical action such as recycling schemes or energy audits, can influence household behaviour and foster community-wide engagement.

Banking analysts note that lenders are increasingly blending corporate social responsibility initiatives with core sustainability goals. While such programmes may not immediately translate into financial returns, they can enhance brand credibility and stakeholder trust, particularly among younger demographics. However, some observers caution that measurable outcomes are essential to avoid perceptions of superficial engagement.

FAB Misr stated that it will monitor progress through periodic assessments of participating schools, including tracking reductions in waste generation and improvements in energy use. The bank plans to expand the initiative in phases, potentially incorporating digital tools and competitions designed to encourage innovation among students.

Officials involved in the programme highlighted the importance of aligning private sector efforts with government policy frameworks. Egypt’s Vision 2030 strategy places sustainability at the centre of economic planning, with a focus on renewable energy expansion, sustainable transport and improved water management. By linking classroom activities to these broader national priorities, organisers hope to strengthen coherence between policy and practice.